Didier Drogba could end up on the same side as his Manchester United arch-rival Cristiano Ronaldo next season, after Real Madrid president Roman Calderon launched a bid to sign the Chelsea striker.

According to The Mirror, Calderon is in talks with Roman Abramovich about a £20million deal for the Ivory Coast striker, a move that looks more likely as Russia's Euro 2008 star Andrei Arshavin heads to London tomorrow to discuss joining Chelsea from Zenit St Petersburg for £12m. 

Pointing the way: Didier Drogba could be heading to Real Madrid with his Manchester United rival Cristiano Ronaldo

Madrid chief Calderon has also offered Manchester United an olive branch, promising to leave the way clear for them to sign Dimitar Berbatov - if Ronaldo joins the La Liga champions.

Calderon has forged a friendship and alliance with Stamford Bridge owner Abramovich in the past few weeks while discussing a potential move for Robinho.

Real are willing to let striker Robinho go in a player-plus-cash deal if it means they can land Ronaldo from Old Trafford. But they may also be interested in a very similar arrangement with Chelsea for Drogba.

The Blues are determined to sell the 30-year-old striker after he grew disillusioned following the departure of Jose Mourinho.

Drogba has also attracted the interest of Inter and AC Milan. But now Abramovich's relationship with Calderon has also paved the way for Real to sign Drogba, who is open to moving to Spain.

Drogba's agent Pierre Frelot said: "Why not? Didier is calm because he is at a great club like Chelsea, but Real Madrid are a great club also."

Calderon has infuriated United and Sir Alex Ferguson with his public pursuit of Ronaldo, which led to the Old Trafford club reporting them to FIFA. But Real are now ready to try and resurrect their faltering attempts to get Ronaldo by trying to cut a transfer deal with United.

The Spaniards have also been tracking Tottenham striker Berbatov, but are ready to stand aside and leave the way clear for United - as long as they sell them Ronaldo.

United have dug their heels in and are refusing to sell Ronaldo, but Real's new approach is designed to try to broker some peace with the Champions League winners.

Ferguson is a huge admirer of Berbatov - but Spurs do not want to sell to another Premier League club. Tottenham are demanding £25m, and up to £10m more from an English club.